Government and Opposition clash over May Day messages

Following comments by the Chief Minister at the Workers’ Memorial Day ceremony, the Leader of the Opposition has rejected the idea that Gibraltar’s political divide is between left and right, saying the real issue at the next election is “right and wrong.”

Keith Azopardi, says that as the son of a dockyard worker and a lifelong member of the TGWU, he rejected what he called the GSLP’s fearmongering in their fight for political survival.

The Leader of the Opposition criticised the Government’s record on transparency, public spending and governance, and said the ruling GSLP no longer represents working people, adding the election should be a choice between continuity and change.

For its part, the Government criticised the Opposition’s response to the Chief Minister’s May Day message, saying it shows no positive agenda for working people.

In a statement, it said the GSD had responded with “tired personal attacks” and “reheated allegations,” rather than policies on workers’ rights or fair pay.

Fabian Picardo said the GSD is the party of “Clinton’s cuts and Azopardi’s austerity,” saying it talks about working people when it suits it, but its instincts are to cut and take away.

He also referred to comments that Keith Azopardi had previously asked for over £400,000 to work for him in Government, and said the Opposition’s message did not address workers’ rights.